Vada Rakes

Vada M. Rakes of Radford, born on March 7, 1931, stepped off the earth to her heavenly home on August 30, 2013. She is now in the loving arms of her Savior and reunited forever with her husband of 61 years, Wilton.

She was also preceded in death by her father, Leslie Martin and mother, Thelma Smoke. She is survived by her three sons and one daughter, Dennis Rakes and wife Diane of Radford, David Rakes and wife Sharon of Riner, Teresa Phillips and husband Rick of Christiansburg, and Wesley Rakes and wife Lori of Georgia; a very special step-daughter, Brenda Sheppard and husband Harvey of Dublin. Mrs. Rakes was also the grandmother of nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; numerous step-grandchildren; and step-great-grandchildren; two half-brothers, Bud Secrist and wife Joyce of Dublin and Gary Martin of North Carolina; stepdaughter, Gloria Stotelmyer of Maryland; two special cousins, Etta Mae Simpkins and husband of North Carolina and Judy Willis and husband of Radford.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 3, 2013, from 6-8 p.m. at Horne Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 4th at 1 p.m. at Belview United Methodist Church, with Rev. Bobbie Henley, Rev. Sebert Rorrer, and Rev. Aaron Fitch officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Christiansburg.

Vada was a loyal member of Belview United Methodist Church for 50 years, and was a very loved member of the community. She will be greatly missed.

The family would also like to express our appreciation to Carilion Family Hospice for their love and care of our mother.